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Police arrest man, blame road rage for deadly highway accident

Last Updated: Tuesday, July 8, 2008 | 11:37 PM ET Comments135Recommend138

CBC News

A man faces charges after what police describe as an incident of road rage that killed one man and closed a section of Canada's busiest highway on Tuesday morning.

A 55-year-old driver was thrown from his black SUV when it struck the centre median of Highway 401, according to police. He had swerved to avoid a red car in front that had unexpectedly thrown on the brakes.

Police said the two vehicles had been passing each other aggressively before the red car, believed to be a Pontiac Grand Am or Grand Prix, made a final pass and slammed on its brakes.

"Given the pattern of behaviour [reported by witnesses], this was not inadvertent," said Ontario Provincial Police Sgt. Cam Woolley.

The SUV "barrel rolled" upon contact with the median, sending the driver flying from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene, Woolley said. The driver of the Pontiac did not stop, according to witnesses.

Before the accident, the two vehicles were seen speeding on the James Snow Parkway in the Milton area before joining the Toronto-bound lanes of Highway 401, police said.

"It's clear to us there was definitely some interaction between those two vehicles that was less than friendly," said Staff Sgt. Scott Lawson.

"[But] at this point we're not giving out any concrete details other than to say there was road rage taking place."

Wayne Windsor, a 39-year-old Milton, Ont., has been charged with criminal negligence causing death, dangerous driving causing death, and failing to remain causing death.

The eastbound lanes of Highway 401 at James Snow Parkway were closed until 11 a.m. while police conducted their investigation.

The crash spoken of in this article speaks to the clear distraction that is anger when driving. The crash was avoidable, and yet took a life. This news is very frustrating. Take stock to pull over and let other people pass if they are engaging in a similar road rage battle with you, it can save your life!